There are some times when the personality of the race leadership makes all the difference. That’s how I feel about the folks putting on the Hit the Barlow Trail 5K. And here’s the two sentences that gave me all the happy feels: Bibs will be issued, and there will be a race clock, but in the spirit of community no times or places will be kept. All participants will receive a (really cool) finisher award.…
I have never been as jealous of high schoolers as I was when learning about Ultimook Running Camp. A week focused on running in the woods, along with learning about health, team building and leadership. Sweet! At least non-high schoolers can join in the fun with The Ultimook Race, a 5K course with multiple terrains for the REAL cross country experience. The course includes unique obstacles, including a river crossing and mud pit. All surrounded…
True cross country races are not as easy to find as road races. For those that enjoy a forested back drop and single track trails, the Miller Woods 10K on October 9th outside of McMinnville Oregon is a potential slice of (hilly) heaven. This has been a recurring event for several years, put on by local runners and those who run the park, to benefit the Miller Woods Conservation Area fund. As this is my…
The typical format of a race is essentially the same, regardless of distance. It consists of a start and finish line, separated by a set course that one must traverse on foot, as quickly as possible. The honor goes to those who finish the distance in as little time as possible. The Lastest not Fastest event, hosted by Go Beyond Racing at the Tumalo Canal Historic Area, is a horse of a different color. For…
Every year during the Portland Marathon I see these red lizards on sticks, bobbing up and down among the runners. It took a few years before I learned that on the other end of that stick was a pacer who I could follow to get me to the finish line right on time. And then I learned that those runners were part of this great local running club that helps at races and even puts…
Participating in a race series can be a lot of fun and present a unique challenge. In most cases, you run the same course each time, so you can compare your times or use them to test out a new race strategy. Also in most cases, you’ll see familiar faces each time, providing the chance to meet new runner-friends or start a friendly competition. And they’re often packaged for a more reasonable price than if…
A fun family-friendly event is coming up soon at the Dorris Ranch in Springfield. The Willamalane Parks and Recreation District will be bringing the annual 2019 Dorris Ranch Dirt Dash back on Sunday, October 20. Entry for this race is only $9 if you are in the Willamalane Park District, or $11 if you are out of district. Entry is free for students in the Willamalane Youth Cross Country and Middle School Cross Country programs.…
For many student athletes, the beginning of the school year also marks the beginning of cross country running season. Casual (and competitive) adult athletes can get in on the fun as well, and one of those opportunities comes on Sunday, October 20th, when this year’s Cross Trot in Eugene will be run at Laurelwood Golf Course in Eugene. The course will be rolling on gravel paths and trails, and across grass fairways. This event is…
Love XC? Want to support youth running? Well have I got the volunteer position for you! Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District needs more volunteers for a few of their Middle School XC Races. The course at the HM Terpenning Complex (158th and Walker in Beaverton) needs a total of 12 course monitors, and as of today there are only about half the volunteers needed. If you can help out from 4:30-6:15p, click here and…
Meet Miles! This cute little guy is the new mascot for Foot Traffic, one of the most well-respected running stores in Portland and SW PDX. Each month we will be doing an AMA with Miles (stay tuned to our Instagram) and posting his responses here! Q. I have been doing a lot of road and trail running lately, but what is this I hear about Cross Country? Is that really something that non-competitive athletes can…
